The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) define the purpose of the Australian Standards for Teachers as:
The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers is a public statement of what constitutes teacher quality. The Standards define the work of teachers and make explicit the elements of high-quality, effective teaching in 21st-century schools, which result in improved educational outcomes for students. The Standards do this by providing a framework that makes clear the knowledge, practice and professional engagement required across teachers' careers. They present a common understanding and language for discourse between teachers, teacher educators, teacher organisations, professional associations and the public.
Teacher standards also inform the development of professional learning goals, provide a framework by which teachers can judge the success of their learning and assist self-reflection and self-assessment.12 Teachers can use the Standards to recognise their current and developing capabilities, professional aspirations and achievements. (AITSL, 2015)